Ahead of managing his first North London Derby against Arsenal at Kai Tak Sports Park as part of their pre-season tour, Tottenham Hotspur new head coach Thomas Frank shared a few light-hearted jokes with the members of the media. The new head coach claimed their rivals are unfortunately one of the best teams in the world ahead.&nbsp;"I think it's a great challenge besides being our biggest rivals and the first North London Derby outside the UK. It's also right now one of the best teams, I must say unfortunately in the world we also need to be honest. In that way it's going to be a big test, but it's more than a test as against Arsenal it's not only a friendly. Of course it's a game we will do everything we can to win,” Frank was quoted saying during the pre-match conference.&nbsp;The Danish coach also confirmed Rodrigo Bentancur is set to return to pre-season action against Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday. The Uruguayan midfielder was ruled out of taking part in the friendlies against Wycombe and Luton Town on Saturday after he fell ill. However, he travelled with the squad on Sunday and is now in line to return at Kai Tak Stadium.&nbsp;The head coach also had positive updates on Dominic Solanke and James Maddison. “Dom is looking much better, progressing, we’ll see if it’s too early for Arsenal, but we’re positive about him,” he told us. “Madders is looking better and better, could also be too early for Arsenal, again, we’ll see. Rodri is back from illness, so that’s good,” said Frank to Spurs’ media team.&nbsp;Sharing his thoughts on preparation for the season, Thomas said, “We are very aware of how we want to play, how we want to train, and you need to be completely aligned with the style of play with the physical output in terms of how we want to train, so we make sure the platers are robust enough. There are gym sessions, recover, which is just as important, then the ability to be able to compete in all the tournaments.”

Unfortunately Arsenal are one of the Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Franks BIG statement

Ahead of managing his first North London Derby against Arsenal at Kai Tak Sports Park as part of their pre-season tour, Tottenham Hotspur new head coach Thomas Frank shared a few light-hearted jokes with the members of the media. The new head coach claimed their rivals are unfortunately one of the best teams in the world ahead. "I think it's a great challenge besides being our biggest rivals and the first North London Derby outside the UK. It's also right now one of the best teams, I must say unfortunately in the world we also need to be honest. In that way it's going to be a big test, but it's more than a test as against Arsenal it's not only a friendly. Of course it's a game we will do everything we can to win,” Frank was quoted saying during the pre-match conference. The Danish coach also confirmed Rodrigo Bentancur is set to return to pre-season action against Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday. The Uruguayan midfielder was ruled out of taking part in the friendlies against Wycombe and Luton Town on Saturday after he fell ill. However, he travelled with the squad on Sunday and is now in line to return at Kai Tak Stadium. The head coach also had positive updates on Dominic Solanke and James Maddison. “Dom is looking much better, progressing, we’ll see if it’s too early for Arsenal, but we’re positive about him,” he told us. “Madders is looking better and better, could also be too early for Arsenal, again, we’ll see. Rodri is back from illness, so that’s good,” said Frank to Spurs’ media team. Sharing his thoughts on preparation for the season, Thomas said, “We are very aware of how we want to play, how we want to train, and you need to be completely aligned with the style of play with the physical output in terms of how we want to train, so we make sure the platers are robust enough. There are gym sessions, recover, which is just as important, then the ability to be able to compete in all the tournaments.”

New Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank also gave positive updates on Dominic Solanke and James Maddison

'Unfortunately, Arsenal are one of the...': Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank's BIG statement

Pep Guardiola conceded Manchester City are in uncharted territory after a 4-0 thrashing by Tottenham inflicted a fifth consecutive defeat on the English champions and ended a 52-game unbeaten home run.

James Maddison struck twice in seven first-half minutes before Pedro Porro rubbed salt in the wounds of his former club and Brennan Johnson completed the rout.

City's first defeat on home soil from open play since the eve of the 2022 World Cup leaves them still five points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who play their game in hand at bottom-of-the-table Southampton on Sunday.

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Guardiola has committed himself to turning around the poorest run of his managerial career after extending his contract until 2027 this week.

But hopes his new deal could revitalise a City side, that have won an unprecedented four consecutive Premier League titles, proved short-lived.

"In eight years we have never lived this kind of situation," said Guardiola, who joined the club in 2016. "Now we have to live it and break it winning the next games, especially the next one. Now we see things in one way, maybe in a few weeks we see it differently."

Rodri paraded his Ballon d'Or trophy to the home fans before kick-off as his name was lit up across the Etihad pitch by firelight in an ostentatious show of support for the Spanish midfielder.

The 28-year-old is not expected to play again this season after suffering knee ligament damage in September and his absence has been at the heart of City's demise.

Guardiola's men did start strongly as Guglielmo Vicario denied Erling Haaland and the Norwegian had another shot deflected wide.

But the momentum of the match completely swung on Tottenham's first serious attack after 13 minutes.

Dejan Kulusevski's teasing cross picked out Maddison who applied a cool first-time finish.

"In this moment we are fragile defensively," added Guardiola. "We started really well as normal but we could not score and then after that we conceded. After that we conceded some more which is difficult for our emotions right now."

<h2>Spurs inconsistency</h2>

Maddison had been frozen out of Postecoglou's starting line-up in recent weeks and was keen to prove a point to his manager.

Son Heung-min's inventive pass freed the England international inside the box and he dinked the ball over the advancing Ederson to double Spurs' lead.

Inconsistency has been the scourge of Tottenham's season so far.

A 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich before the international break saw Postecoglou's men slip to 10th in the table.

But they have now twice won comprehensively in Manchester after a 3-0 win over United at Old Trafford.

"It is significant because obviously they've got an unbelievable record here at home," said Postecoglou. "We've reached these standards before. It's about now not dropping as we have in certain games."

Spurs quashed any idea of a comeback seven minutes into the second period.

The excellent Kulusevski crossed for Dominic Solanke and he patiently laid the ball back for Porro to blast home from close range.

Haaland clipped the bar from an almost impossible angle as City laboured to find a response.

Instead, they were hit with one final sucker punch as Timo Werner eased past Kyle Walker and crossed for Johnson to tap home at the far post.

The one glimmer of hope for City may be the return of Kevin De Bruyne after a two-month injury absence as a late substitute.

However, Guardiola has to find solutions fast if his side's title defence is to be maintained into the new year.

A daunting trip to face Liverpool at Anfield is next up in the Premier League, where City have not won in front of a crowd since 2003.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pep Guardiola conceded Manchester City are in uncharted territory after a 4-0 thrashing by Tottenham inflicted a fifth consecutive defeat on the English champions and ended a 52-game unbeaten home run.

Pep Guardiola conceded Manchester City are in uncharted territory after a 4-0 thrashing by Tottenham inflicted a fifth consecutive defeat on the English champions and ended a 52-game unbeaten home run. James Maddison struck twice in seven first-half minutes before Pedro Porro rubbed salt in the wounds of his former club and Brennan Johnson completed the rout. City's first defeat on home soil from open play since the eve of the 2022 World Cup leaves them still five points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who play their game in hand at bottom-of-the-table Southampton on Sunday. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic announces recently retired Andy Murray as new coach Guardiola has committed himself to turning around the poorest run of his managerial career after extending his contract until 2027 this week. But hopes his new deal could revitalise a City side, that have won an unprecedented four consecutive Premier League titles, proved short-lived. "In eight years we have never lived this kind of situation," said Guardiola, who joined the club in 2016. "Now we have to live it and break it winning the next games, especially the next one. Now we see things in one way, maybe in a few weeks we see it differently." Rodri paraded his Ballon d'Or trophy to the home fans before kick-off as his name was lit up across the Etihad pitch by firelight in an ostentatious show of support for the Spanish midfielder. The 28-year-old is not expected to play again this season after suffering knee ligament damage in September and his absence has been at the heart of City's demise. Guardiola's men did start strongly as Guglielmo Vicario denied Erling Haaland and the Norwegian had another shot deflected wide. But the momentum of the match completely swung on Tottenham's first serious attack after 13 minutes. Dejan Kulusevski's teasing cross picked out Maddison who applied a cool first-time finish. "In this moment we are fragile defensively," added Guardiola. "We started really well as normal but we could not score and then after that we conceded. After that we conceded some more which is difficult for our emotions right now." Spurs inconsistency Maddison had been frozen out of Postecoglou's starting line-up in recent weeks and was keen to prove a point to his manager. Son Heung-min's inventive pass freed the England international inside the box and he dinked the ball over the advancing Ederson to double Spurs' lead. Inconsistency has been the scourge of Tottenham's season so far. A 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich before the international break saw Postecoglou's men slip to 10th in the table. But they have now twice won comprehensively in Manchester after a 3-0 win over United at Old Trafford. "It is significant because obviously they've got an unbelievable record here at home," said Postecoglou. "We've reached these standards before. It's about now not dropping as we have in certain games." Spurs quashed any idea of a comeback seven minutes into the second period. The excellent Kulusevski crossed for Dominic Solanke and he patiently laid the ball back for Porro to blast home from close range. Haaland clipped the bar from an almost impossible angle as City laboured to find a response. Instead, they were hit with one final sucker punch as Timo Werner eased past Kyle Walker and crossed for Johnson to tap home at the far post. The one glimmer of hope for City may be the return of Kevin De Bruyne after a two-month injury absence as a late substitute. However, Guardiola has to find solutions fast if his side's title defence is to be maintained into the new year. A daunting trip to face Liverpool at Anfield is next up in the Premier League, where City have not won in front of a crowd since 2003. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Premier League: Spurs end Manchester City’s 52-game unbeaten home run with 4-0 mauling

Midfielder James Maddison has withdrawn from England's forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia due to an ankle injury, his club Tottenham Hotspur confirmed on Friday.

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We can confirm that James Maddison has been withdrawn from the England squad due to an ankle injury. 
 
The midfielder will not feature in the Three Lions' UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, and will remain at Hotspur Way for rehabilitation with the Club's… <a href="https://t.co/Y4WelJrcbO">pic.twitter.com/Y4WelJrcbO</a>
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1722886981149970471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The 26-year-old was substituted in the first-half stoppage time during Spurs' 4-1 home loss against rivals Chelsea after going to the ground without contact. The game ended Ange Postecoglou's unbeaten start to the season.

Maddison has three goals and five assists in 11 Premier League appearances since moving to north London from relegated Leicester City in June.

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He joins a lengthy injury list at Spurs that includes Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Ivan Perisic, Ben Davies and Manor Solomon.

"We can confirm that James Maddison has been withdrawn from the England squad due to an ankle injury," Spurs said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "(Maddison) will remain at Hotspur Way for rehabilitation with the Club's medical staff."

Second-placed Spurs, who trail leaders Manchester City by one point after 11 matches, next visit Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

England face Malta in Group C at Wembley next Friday and travel to North Macedonia three days later.

Midfielder James Maddison has withdrawn from England's forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia due to an ankle injury, his club Tottenham Hotspur confirmed on Friday.

Midfielder James Maddison has withdrawn from England's forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia due to an ankle injury, his club Tottenham Hotspur confirmed on Friday. We can confirm that James Maddison has been withdrawn from the England squad due to an ankle injury. The midfielder will not feature in the Three Lions' UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, and will remain at Hotspur Way for rehabilitation with the Club's… pic.twitter.com/Y4WelJrcbO — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 10, 2023 × The 26-year-old was substituted in the first-half stoppage time during Spurs' 4-1 home loss against rivals Chelsea after going to the ground without contact. The game ended Ange Postecoglou's unbeaten start to the season. Maddison has three goals and five assists in 11 Premier League appearances since moving to north London from relegated Leicester City in June. ALSO READ: ISL has given hope and visibility for football across the country: Sunil Chhetri He joins a lengthy injury list at Spurs that includes Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Ivan Perisic, Ben Davies and Manor Solomon. "We can confirm that James Maddison has been withdrawn from the England squad due to an ankle injury," Spurs said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "(Maddison) will remain at Hotspur Way for rehabilitation with the Club's medical staff." Second-placed Spurs, who trail leaders Manchester City by one point after 11 matches, next visit Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. England face Malta in Group C at Wembley next Friday and travel to North Macedonia three days later.

James Maddison to miss England Euro 2024 qualifiers with ankle injury: Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal on Wednesday signed German attacking midfielder Kai Havertz from Chelsea on a "long-term contract". Neither club disclosed a fee but British media said Arsenal were paying Chelsea 65 million pounds or 75 million euros. &nbsp;He is Arsenal's first signing of the summer but the British press reported the club had agreed a 105-million-pound fee for West Ham's England midfielder Declan Rice.

Havertz joined Chelsea in 2020 from Bayer Leverkusen. He made 139 appearances in three seasons, scoring 32 times, including the only goal in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final victory over Manchester City.

Arsenal were runners up in the Premier League last season while Chelsea, rebuilding their squad, were 12th.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-handed-two-match-serie-a-ban-for-referee-rant-609842">Jose Mourinho handed two-match Serie A ban for referee rant</a>

"The mentality in the Arsenal squad is very high and you can feel that. That was one of the reasons why it has been so hard to play against Arsenal recently," Havertz told the Arsenal web site. "The aim is to win trophies and I'm going to give everything to do that."

He posted a farewell message to Chelsea on social media.

Havertz said he was writing "with a heavy heart...saying goodbye to the club that has become my second home, and to the incredible fans who have supported me throughout this amazing journey."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: "Kai is a player of top quality. He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play."

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Mikel Arteta on Havertz: “Kai is a player of top quality. He has great versatility and he’s intelligent player”. ⚪️🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFC</a> 
 
“He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play”. <a href="https://t.co/X3j1QA0juc">pic.twitter.com/X3j1QA0juc</a>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1674132505618796571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Spurs sign Maddison</h2>

Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday completed the signing of creative midfielder James Maddison from relegated Leicester in a deal worth 40 million pounds (46.3m euros) plus add-ons. The 26-year-old England international signed a five-year deal.

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Official, confirmed. James Maddison has joined Tottenham on five year contract ⚪️✨ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/THFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#THFC</a> 
 
Deal completed with Leicester on £40m fee. Second signing after Vicario. <a href="https://t.co/3Wn8wxeTxL">pic.twitter.com/3Wn8wxeTxL</a>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1674147333921992708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Maddison began his career with Coventry City before joining Norwich City in January, 2016. He moved to Leicester in 2018 and in five seasons made 203 appearances, scored 55 goals and helped win the FA Cup. He scored 10 goals last season as Leicester were relegated from the Premier League

He has three England caps.

Maddison's creativity will boost a Spurs squad that has lacked a player in his mould since Christian Eriksen left in 2020. He is the club's third signing of the summer. Winger Dejan Kulusevski's loan switch from Juventus was made permanent and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario joined from another Italian club, Empoli.

Speculation continues to swirl around Tottenham's star striker Harry Kane who is entering the last year of his contract.

Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms with the England captain, German daily Bild reported Wednesday, but an initial 70-million-euro bid was rejected by Tottenham.

Kane's camp is believed to have approved the move, but Bayern need an agreement on a fee with Tottenham to seal the transfer.

Bayern submitted an offer of 70 million euros plus add-ons for Kane, according to Bild, while Spurs are demanding at least 100 million euros to part with their talismanic striker.

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Arsenal on Wednesday signed German attacking midfielder Kai Havertz from Chelsea on a "long-term contract". Neither club disclosed a fee but British media said Arsenal were paying Chelsea 65 million pounds or 75 million euros.

Arsenal on Wednesday signed German attacking midfielder Kai Havertz from Chelsea on a "long-term contract". Neither club disclosed a fee but British media said Arsenal were paying Chelsea 65 million pounds or 75 million euros. He is Arsenal's first signing of the summer but the British press reported the club had agreed a 105-million-pound fee for West Ham's England midfielder Declan Rice. Havertz joined Chelsea in 2020 from Bayer Leverkusen. He made 139 appearances in three seasons, scoring 32 times, including the only goal in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final victory over Manchester City. Arsenal were runners up in the Premier League last season while Chelsea, rebuilding their squad, were 12th. ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho handed two-match Serie A ban for referee rant "The mentality in the Arsenal squad is very high and you can feel that. That was one of the reasons why it has been so hard to play against Arsenal recently," Havertz told the Arsenal web site. "The aim is to win trophies and I'm going to give everything to do that." He posted a farewell message to Chelsea on social media. Havertz said he was writing "with a heavy heart...saying goodbye to the club that has become my second home, and to the incredible fans who have supported me throughout this amazing journey." Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: "Kai is a player of top quality. He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play." Mikel Arteta on Havertz: “Kai is a player of top quality. He has great versatility and he’s intelligent player”. ⚪️🔴 #AFC “He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play”. pic.twitter.com/X3j1QA0juc — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2023 × Spurs sign Maddison Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday completed the signing of creative midfielder James Maddison from relegated Leicester in a deal worth 40 million pounds (46.3m euros) plus add-ons. The 26-year-old England international signed a five-year deal. Official, confirmed. James Maddison has joined Tottenham on five year contract ⚪️✨ #THFC Deal completed with Leicester on £40m fee. Second signing after Vicario. pic.twitter.com/3Wn8wxeTxL — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2023 × Maddison began his career with Coventry City before joining Norwich City in January, 2016. He moved to Leicester in 2018 and in five seasons made 203 appearances, scored 55 goals and helped win the FA Cup. He scored 10 goals last season as Leicester were relegated from the Premier League He has three England caps. Maddison's creativity will boost a Spurs squad that has lacked a player in his mould since Christian Eriksen left in 2020. He is the club's third signing of the summer. Winger Dejan Kulusevski's loan switch from Juventus was made permanent and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario joined from another Italian club, Empoli. Speculation continues to swirl around Tottenham's star striker Harry Kane who is entering the last year of his contract. Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms with the England captain, German daily Bild reported Wednesday, but an initial 70-million-euro bid was rejected by Tottenham. Kane's camp is believed to have approved the move, but Bayern need an agreement on a fee with Tottenham to seal the transfer. Bayern submitted an offer of 70 million euros plus add-ons for Kane, according to Bild, while Spurs are demanding at least 100 million euros to part with their talismanic striker. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

German Kai Havertz joins Arsenal on 'long-term' contract, Spurs signs James Maddison from relegated Leicester

Leicester&nbsp;City manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leicester-beat-saints-9-0-in-record-english-top-flight-away-win-258277">Brendan Rodgers</a> says they will not be selling players in the January transfer window but could make additions if an opportunity to improve the squad comes their way.

Rodgers, who took charge in February, has guided&nbsp;Leicester&nbsp;to second in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mourinho-pledges-passion-after-being-named-spurs-boss-263591"> Premier League</a> on 26 points from 12 games this season, eight points behind leaders Liverpool.

The club sold centre back Harry Maguire to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-mourinho-pledges-passion-after-being-named-spurs-boss-263591">Manchester United</a> for around 80 million pounds ($103.30 million) in the close season and Rodgers does not want to lose any more of his core group as they seek a return to the Champions League.

"We have absolutely no plans to lose anyone in January," Rodgers told reporters. "Our job is to keep what we have.

"If there's an opportunity to improve the squad we will look to do that. If not, we will carry on with the squad we have, which is very strong."

British media have linked 22-year-old midfielder James Maddison to United since his breakthrough campaign last season and his stock has risen since he was called up by England manager Gareth Southgate during the recent international break.

Maddison, who had seven goals and seven assists last season, has already scored four times and notched two assists in 11 league games in the current campaign.

"He has shown he is a big-game player," Rodgers said. "He has scored goals against Liverpool, against Tottenham, against Arsenal (this season).

"James is among a lot of very good players with England and it's just about preference, whether Gareth and his staff want to pick him. You can see he is at the level.

"If not, he will continue to work. He doesn't expect to play, he's not entitled, but he loves playing and will hopefully get many more caps for his country."

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers says they will not be selling players in the January transfer window but could make additions if an opportunity to improve the squad comes their way.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers says they will not be selling players in the January transfer window but could make additions if an opportunity to improve the squad comes their way. Rodgers, who took charge in February, has guided Leicester to second in the Premier League on 26 points from 12 games this season, eight points behind leaders Liverpool. The club sold centre back Harry Maguire to Manchester United for around 80 million pounds ($103.30 million) in the close season and Rodgers does not want to lose any more of his core group as they seek a return to the Champions League. "We have absolutely no plans to lose anyone in January," Rodgers told reporters. "Our job is to keep what we have. "If there's an opportunity to improve the squad we will look to do that. If not, we will carry on with the squad we have, which is very strong." British media have linked 22-year-old midfielder James Maddison to United since his breakthrough campaign last season and his stock has risen since he was called up by England manager Gareth Southgate during the recent international break. Maddison, who had seven goals and seven assists last season, has already scored four times and notched two assists in 11 league games in the current campaign. "He has shown he is a big-game player," Rodgers said. "He has scored goals against Liverpool, against Tottenham, against Arsenal (this season). "James is among a lot of very good players with England and it's just about preference, whether Gareth and his staff want to pick him. You can see he is at the level. "If not, he will continue to work. He doesn't expect to play, he's not entitled, but he loves playing and will hopefully get many more caps for his country."

Football: Leicester will not sell players in January, says Rodgers

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison has only been in the Premier League for two months, but his impact has been such that he is now being tipped as a missing creative link in Gareth Southgate's England side.

After a 22 million pounds ($29 million) close-season move from Championship (second tier) Norwich City, Maddison has played all eight games in the Premier League and the number 10 is now in line to face Croatia and Spain in England's Nations League matches.

The 21-year-old is unlikely to be overawed.

His Premier League debut came at Old Trafford against Manchester United on the televised opening Friday of the season and he left observers purring at his classy display despite Leicester falling to a 2-1 defeat.

"There was a moment in the warm-up when the crowd was filling up and it just hit me that this was the Premier League. You see all these TV cameras around the pitch, which you don't get at Championship level, and I thought: 'I've worked hard to be here. I deserve to be here. I belong here'," he told reporters.

"I did well on the day and we put in a good performance and maybe could have got more out of the game. There is no bigger stage than Old Trafford on the opening day of the season or Friday night. That was a dream I will never forget," he said.

There was certainly no sign of nerves as he showed his creativity and invention up against United`s World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba.

It was a display that immediately suggested he could be the missing link for Southgate in the role between midfield and attack, where England are not blessed with an abundance of creative talents.

"I always had the confidence," he said. "I went into pre-season with the mind-set of 'Be fearless, go and show everyone what you can do'.&nbsp;

"If, just because it's the Premier League, I started trying to play the simple pass instead of trying the harder pass that is not the type of person I am to be honest.&nbsp;

"I went in with an open mind and it has worked out well. I`m really enjoying it and loving life in the Premier League," he added.

While he acknowledges that he is a new face in the England set-up, the midfielder will not be a shrinking violet.

"You have to come here and be yourself," he said. "If you come here and act like the new kid or the young lad then I don`t think it will work. Gareth (Southgate) said to me: 'Go and show what you are about and why you are here'.&nbsp;

"I've always believed in myself. One of my biggest attributes, if you speak to my coaches from when I was a young lad, is that I've always believed in my own ability and been a confident young man.&nbsp;

"There's never been a point when I've questioned myself. If I've ever had a setback at a club I've always made it my mission to show why I should be in the team instead of dwelling on it."

Maddison says he is at the right club for a player looking to break into the England team, with Leicester centre back Harry Maguire and left back Ben Chilwell also in Southgate's squad.

That was a factor, he said, behind his move from Norwich.

"We have a really good English spine at Leicester at the minute," he said.&nbsp;

"I looked at the Leicester squad and saw Harry and Jamie (Vardy) as regulars in England set up, I thought that is where I want to be, that is where I want to get to.&nbsp;

"I was a little bit off it at the time but (I thought) that is eventually where I want to be, alongside those guys and here we are. So I am very happy with the decision I made. It is going very well."

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison has only been in the Premier League for two months, but his impact has been such that he is now being tipped as a missing creative link in Gareth Southgate's England side.

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison has only been in the Premier League for two months, but his impact has been such that he is now being tipped as a missing creative link in Gareth Southgate's England side. After a 22 million pounds ($29 million) close-season move from Championship (second tier) Norwich City, Maddison has played all eight games in the Premier League and the number 10 is now in line to face Croatia and Spain in England's Nations League matches. The 21-year-old is unlikely to be overawed. His Premier League debut came at Old Trafford against Manchester United on the televised opening Friday of the season and he left observers purring at his classy display despite Leicester falling to a 2-1 defeat. "There was a moment in the warm-up when the crowd was filling up and it just hit me that this was the Premier League. You see all these TV cameras around the pitch, which you don't get at Championship level, and I thought: 'I've worked hard to be here. I deserve to be here. I belong here'," he told reporters. "I did well on the day and we put in a good performance and maybe could have got more out of the game. There is no bigger stage than Old Trafford on the opening day of the season or Friday night. That was a dream I will never forget," he said. There was certainly no sign of nerves as he showed his creativity and invention up against United`s World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba. It was a display that immediately suggested he could be the missing link for Southgate in the role between midfield and attack, where England are not blessed with an abundance of creative talents. "I always had the confidence," he said. "I went into pre-season with the mind-set of 'Be fearless, go and show everyone what you can do'. "If, just because it's the Premier League, I started trying to play the simple pass instead of trying the harder pass that is not the type of person I am to be honest. "I went in with an open mind and it has worked out well. I`m really enjoying it and loving life in the Premier League," he added. While he acknowledges that he is a new face in the England set-up, the midfielder will not be a shrinking violet. "You have to come here and be yourself," he said. "If you come here and act like the new kid or the young lad then I don`t think it will work. Gareth (Southgate) said to me: 'Go and show what you are about and why you are here'. "I've always believed in myself. One of my biggest attributes, if you speak to my coaches from when I was a young lad, is that I've always believed in my own ability and been a confident young man. "There's never been a point when I've questioned myself. If I've ever had a setback at a club I've always made it my mission to show why I should be in the team instead of dwelling on it." Maddison says he is at the right club for a player looking to break into the England team, with Leicester centre back Harry Maguire and left back Ben Chilwell also in Southgate's squad. That was a factor, he said, behind his move from Norwich. "We have a really good English spine at Leicester at the minute," he said. "I looked at the Leicester squad and saw Harry and Jamie (Vardy) as regulars in England set up, I thought that is where I want to be, that is where I want to get to. "I was a little bit off it at the time but (I thought) that is eventually where I want to be, alongside those guys and here we are. So I am very happy with the decision I made. It is going very well."

James Maddison's instant impact earns him England chance

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